Coil, oil and toil

[billschroeder5842]

I just collecting thoughts on if to upgrade my coil and if it will make a difference.

I have a bone stock, 1975 400 with a Demon carb, dual exhaust and not much else. The engine had 122k on it, runs like a champ and holds a super steady idle of 19ish. Timing is get about 12-14 and is very dependable.

My plugs get a oil fouled and I clean them every 4k or so. I don't mind terribly cleaning them- wire wheel, regap, all done in 45 minutes. My guess is that a 40 year old, new rebuild engine has rings, wear and valve guide issues.

Would I get a longer life if I got a "hotter plug" or a more powerful coil? Would a more powerful coil give me anything to worry about with the electrical or wiring? The wires are all original....

Thanks!

[A383Wing]

you might try putting in platinum plugs..they will last longer in the oil fouling senario....hotter coil only has effect on the spark plug end, not the OE wiring in the car....with hotter coil, you can make the plug gap wider for smoother running and higher RPM's

[billschroeder5842]

Thanks!

I'm debating a rebuild or just getting a 440.

The 440 is winning at the moment.

[Ghoste]

They frequently do. 

[500Jon]

Toiling is Bad, but the end result can be rewarding!
The 400ci is a good motor indeed.
The earlier ones have the strongest main-bearing webs of all Mopar Bigblocks.
71-72 castings are the best followed by 73 and some early 74's.
Bigger bore than a 440 and shorter stroke.
She wiil run like a scalded cat (not quite Hellcat)...if built right...
Go for a rebore with higher compression pistons.
'Six Pack' Lunatti 490ish cam will give 20 inches of vacuum.
Aftermarket low deck ali manifold TM7 etc and a 650 carb for 15mpg.

440's are for trucks and Motorhomes lol...
5J